Precana experiences generally include prayer, presentations by trained team couples on various topics such as communication, intimacy, everyday living, sacrament of marriage, finances in daily life and more. Opportunity for you to share privately with your future spouse is provided. Each precana offers unique aspects all designed to provide you and your future spouse with an affirming and enriching program. You will receive your precana certificate at the conclusion of your program.

Any ONE of the following precana programs satisfies the requirements for marriage preparation for the Diocese of Buffalo.

Journey Into Love is a diocesan one day program that uses presentations offered by trained married couple teams. Engaged couples use various communication exercises focusing on such areas as dynamics of effective communication; intimacy; marital roadblocks; natural family planning; serious issues which include money; drugs and alcohol; gambling and any type of abuse; Inter-religious spirituality insights and more. Program includes lunch and prayer service. Price of the program is $100.00 a couple.

To register and for more information, call your Office of Family Life Ministries at 716 847-2210.

Ten Journey Into Love Programs are available at the St. Columban Center, 6892 Lake Shore Road, Derby, NY 14047. These dates are:

May 16, 2015 - Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

June 14, 2015 - Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

July 18, 2015 - Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

August 15, 2015 - Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

October 17, 2015 - Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

November 15, 2015 - Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

One Journey Into Love Program is available in Allegany at St. Bonaventure Parish, 95 E. Main St. Allegany 14706.

May 2, 2015 - Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Six Journey Into Love Programs are available at D'Youville College, 329 Porter Ave. Buffalo, 14201. These dates are:

Catholic Marriage Preparation on-line resources are available to couples who cannot attend traditional programs. These programs allow flexibility for couples with difficult work schedules or for those who live in different states or countries.

Online Catholic Marriage Prep Class was developed by the Family Ministries Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago in collaboration with The Marriage Group specifically targeting couples separated by distance. The program is available 24/7 365 days a year, includes the Catholic Couple Check up premarital inventory and other resources. An interactive on-line program with topics that include: Communication, Conflict Management, Marriage as a Sacrament, Sexuality & Intimacy, Children, and other relationship education issues. Full program cost is $195.00. Couples recieve their pre-Cana certificate upon completion of the program. For information and or registration call 1-855-773-2262 or visit: www.CatholicMarriagePrepClass.com.

Catholic Marriage Preparation, Inc. founded by Christian and Christine Meert. This marriage preparation program is currently translated and available in French and Spanish as well as in English. Cost is $165. Subject matter covered: God's plan for humanity, the Sacrament of Matrimony, Natural Family Planning, Theology of the Body, the Rite of Marriage, and other relationship issues. Couples receive their pre-Cana certificate upon satisfactory completion. Visit www.CatholicMarriagePrep.com for more information or call 1-719-471-9702.

CANA II is a marriage preparation program designed for couples where at least one person was previously married and who are now free to marry again by reason of a Church annulment or death of one’s spouse. This peer ministry program is given by a trained remarriage team primarily on a couple to couple basis . The resource utilized “A Redeemed State” deals with critical issues that include step-parenting, multiple sets of in-laws, and the challenges of blending families. Registration completed on an individual basis by contacting your Office of Family Life Ministries at 716-847-2210 or e-mail us at familylife@buffalodiocese.org.

REGARDING THE PLACE OF MARRIAGE: In accord with the custom of the Diocese of Buffalo, Catholic weddings are to be celebrated primarily in parish churches. Since the parish church is the “spiritual home” of the family of God, where life-giving sacraments are normally celebrated and since the parish is the heart of sacramental life and ministry, weddings in gardens, parks, beaches, and hotels are prohibited. Also, weddings in high school chapels, religious houses and oratories that are not attached to a parish are not permitted.

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